Julia Wells
Historic Chappaquiddick Farm Preserved in Unique Partnership
By JULIA WELLS
The preservation of a historic farmstead, a new partnership between two respected conservation organizations and affordable housing were all tied together in a single package this week when the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank and the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust announced that they will join forces to buy the Chappaquiddick property formerly owned by Ruth Marshall and the late Robert Marshall.
Boatline Bill Moves to House for Vote
Fierce Debate Is Expected in Collision Between New Bedford and the Islands for Steamship Authority Control
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
A fiercely contested legislative bill to reorganize the Steamship Authority board of governors is now on the move and set for debate and vote on the House floor on Beacon Hill next week.
Boatline Issues Divide Board
Future of Once Proposed Parking Lot Property Triggers Sharp Debate; New Bedford Suit Runs Up Big Legal Bills
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
NANTUCKET - An old skeleton tumbled out of the closet yesterday when Steamship Authority governors took up the thorny question of selling the Blacksmith Shop Road property in Falmouth, in a passionate discussion that revealed fresh fault lines on the boat line board - especially between the Falmouth and Vineyard members.
New Bedford Politicians Begin Maneuvers for Boat Line Seat
By JULIA WELLS
The slumbering campaign by the city of New Bedford to overhaul the Steamship Authority saw a bit of fresh activity this week when a state representative hastily added an amendment to the proposed state budget - and then just as quickly withdrew it.
Islanders Denounce Effort To Smear MVC Officials
By JULIA WELLS Gazette Senior Writer
A growing array of residents and public officials - both inside and outside the Martha's Vineyard Commission - called this week for an end to the smear campaign that targets three commission members who voted against the Down Island Golf Club plan.
A 19-year-old Vineyard man was sentenced to five years in state prison yesterday after he was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in a late-night incident in Oak Bluffs two years ago.